Ripon Grammar School’s boarding provision has been praised in a report by Ofsted.

The report, published on Saturday, was the first Ofsted inspection of a local school since the government abolished one-word overall assessments.

Inspectors visited the 921-pupil school on Clotherholme Road in May to asses boarding provision for the first time since February 2022, when it was graded ‘good’.

This time inspectors rated boarding ‘good’ in all three categories: overall experiences and progress of children and young people; how well children and young people are helped and protected, and the effectiveness of leaders and managers.

The state school, which offers boarding and day places to students aged 11 to 18, has female and male boarding house with total capacity of 105. However, there were just 95 boarders at the time of the inspection.

Inspectors found children “like staying at the boarding school”, adding pupils said it is “like one big family”.

Boarders said they were made to feel very welcome when they arrived, with the report adding "all the children said they like the school because of the friendships they have".

Boarders have access to a music room, where they can play the piano and drums, after “improvement were made to the living areas” of both boarding houses.

'Significant changes to medication processes'

Inspectors also said:

Pupils were found to be “focussed on their education” and “want to do well” while teachers supported them well with their work.

The report said there are a “broad range of activities” on offer for boarders, including football, cricket and badminton.

Most pupils spend time visiting Ripon in the evening, inspectors found, adding this helps them to “manage their time independently”.

The school was also praised for its “willingness to ensure boarders enjoy the food provided”, and inspectors added the chef meets regularly with pupils, parents and the head of boarding to discuss food options. 

Behaviour and safeguarding

Ofsted said Ripon Grammar’s approach to safeguarding is “thorough” and praised staff for undertaking annual training on safeguarding matters, as well as “refresher sessions” throughout the year.

Behaviour is said to be “very positive” at the school, inspectors said, adding there has been “no use of physical intervention”.

The report adds:

There are no concerns over health and safety, the report said. 

'Open-door culture'

Inspectors said the head of boarding is supported by an “enthusiastic team of managers” who all have “high aspirations for the children”.

Staff were found to recognise the importance of fun and “time out from homework”. The report added this “reduces the pressure the children put on themselves”.

The head of boarding knows the strengths and weakness of the school, inspectors said, and she is “quick to address issues that arise”.

She has put systems in place to ensure information is shared between boarding provisions and the school, which means children receive a “consistent approach from school to boarding”.

Staff told Ofsted they feel “very much supported” by the head of boarding, and the school fosters an “open-door culture”.

Governors were also praised for their support and knowledge, which helps them to “challenge and support school leaders”, as well as better meet the children’s needs.

Inspectors added training goes “beyond the core learning”, so staff are equipped with specific knowledge to help them provide effective care.

Ripon Grammar School as a whole was rated ‘good’ by Ofsted last year. It was the school’s first inspection in more than a decade, after previously holding an 'outstanding' grade.

You can read the findings of that inspection here. 

Parents of boarders can pay more than £16,000 per term at Ripon Grammar School.